The tail of the first 787 Dreamliner in the Flight Center at the Flight of Dreams complex at Chebu Centrair International Airport in Japan.

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Visitors can visit the cockpit of the ZA001 787 test plane.

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The names of the two pilots who flew the first 787 test plane on its maiden flight on Dec. 15, 2009.

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Activities in the Flight Center at Flight of Dreams take place around - and beneath - the first 787 test plane.

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The four-story Flight of Dreams complex offers plenty of chances to view the first 787 test plane.

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A virtual tour of Boeing's Everett Assembly Plant is one of the activities at Flight of Dreams.

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Visitors can walk along an animated airplane assembly line at Flight of Dreams.

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Visitors can make and fly paper airplanes that trigger lights and sound.

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In the Flight Center, visitors can draw and scan airplanes that are projected on a 3D dome.

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Boeing's first store outside the U.S. is at the Flight of Dreams complex at Chebu Centrair International Airport in Japan.

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Aviation-themed fans are among the unique items sold in the Boeing store at the Flight of Dreams attraction at Centrair Airport in Nagoya, Japan.

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Many items for sale in the Boeing store inside the Nagoya Flight of Dreams attraction will be unique to this location.

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Putting finishing touches on the Seattle Terrace before opening day at the Flight of Dreams complex at Chebu Centrair International Airport in Japan.

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Seattle Mariners logos help set the scene in the Seattle Terrace dining and shopping area of the Flight of Dreams complex in Japan.

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The Seattle Terrace offers food and shopping overlooking the first 787 Dreamliner test plane and the aviation activities below.

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Seating area in the Seattle Terrace at the Flight of Dreams complex.

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Popular Seattle brands, such as Beecher's Cheese, have opened branches inside the Flight of Dreams complex at Chebu Centrair International Airport in Japan.

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Seating at the Seattle Terrace offers great views of the first 787 Dreamliner test plane.

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The Flight of Dreams complex at Japan's Chubu Centrair International Airport.

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The first 787 Dreamliner begins its maiden flight on Dec. 15, 2009.

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Boeing uses Dreamlifters to transport parts for the 787 aircraft.

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Parts are unloaded from the Dreamlifter.

NAGOYA, Japan – Remember back on Dec. 15, 2009, when the first Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner test plane – known as ZA001 – took off from Paine Field in Everett, Washington, for a thrilling, three-hour maiden flight?

That 787 Dreamliner is now the giant celebrity centerpiece of an aviation attraction called Flight of Dreams opening in central Japan at Chubu Centrair International, an airport built on an artificial island south of Nagoya.

The four-story complex, built between the airport’s two terminals, welcomes visitors to a Flight Center with high-tech and hands-on aviation experiences, including a look inside the 787’s cockpit and a virtual tour of Boeing’s Everett factory.

The second and third floors of the facility, dubbed Seattle Terrace, overlook the 787 and include branches of some of Seattle’s most iconic shops and restaurants, including Starbucks (of course), Pike Brewing, Fran’s Chocolates and Beecher’s Cheese.

Behind the scenes at the Boeing factory

Boeing's Everett assembly line is one of the largest buildings in the world. Bike and pedestrian lanes act as thoroughfares through giant complex.

A KLM Boeing 787 "Dreamliner" works its way through Boeing's assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

Media members take photos of Boeing’s assembly line on June 28, 2017. Aside from special media tours, photography is not allowed at the Boeing assembly line.

The “Twin Aisle Cafe” employee dining establishment is seen behind a Boeing 777 that’s moving its way through Boeing's assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

Boeing 777s move through Boeing's assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

In this shot of the Boeing assembly line floor in Everett, Wash., the 777 line can be seen on the left while the 787 line is one the right. (June 28, 2017)

Boeing 777s move through Boeing's assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

The 'Dreamliner Diner' employee restaurant can be seen between a giant American flag and the wing of a 787 at Boeing's 787 assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

A Qatar Airways Boeing 777 nears the end of the assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

A Qatar Airways Boeing 777 nears the end of the assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

Engine covers are seen waiting for assembly along Boeing's 787 line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

Boeing 777 sections move through Boeing's assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

An employee performs work on a Boeing 777 as it moves through Boeing's assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

An Air India 'Dreamliner' nears the end of Boeing's 787 assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

Boeing pays homage to its 787 customers with this display of airline tails above its 787 assembly line in Everett, Wash. (June 28, 2017)

Plane enthusiasts have plenty of distractions at Boeing's Everett assembly line -- even in conference rooms, where large models tell the story of Boeing's planes.

An Air India 'Dreamliner' nears the end of Boeing's 787 assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

Boeing 787 Dreamliners move through the assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

Workers sit at desks along the edge of the Boeing 787 assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

Boeing 787 Dreamliners move through the assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

Workers sit at desks along the edge of the Boeing 787 assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

Boeing 787 Dreamliners move through the assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

Media members take photos of Boeing’s assembly line on June 28, 2017. Aside from special media tours, photography is not allowed at the Boeing assembly line.

An Air India 'Dreamliner' nears the end of Boeing's 787 assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

Boeing 787 Dreamliners move through the assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

Boeing's Everett assembly line is one of the largest buildings in the world. Bike and pedestrian lanes act as thoroughfares through giant complex.

Many airplane 'pieces' - such as this 787 galley area - are delivered to the appropriate spot on the assembly line so they can be easily installed on the planes as they move through the line.

Many airplane 'pieces' - such as this 787 galley area - are delivered to the appropriate spot on the assembly line so they can be easily installed on the planes as they move through the line.

The aft section of a Boeing 787 comes through the assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

Boeing 787s move through Boeing's assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

A Boeing 787 is seen on Boeing's assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

Boeing 787s move through Boeing's assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

Boeing 777s move through Boeing's assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

A Qatar Airways Boeing 777 moves through Boeing's assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

A Qatar Airways Boeing 777 moves through Boeing's assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

Many airplane 'pieces' - such as this 787 galley area - are delivered to the appropriate spot on the assembly line so they can be easily installed on the planes as they move through the line.

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Boeing's Everett assembly line is one of the largest buildings in the world. Bike and pedestrian lanes act as thoroughfares through giant complex.

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A KLM Boeing 787 "Dreamliner" works its way through Boeing's assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

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Media members take photos of Boeing’s assembly line on June 28, 2017. Aside from special media tours, photography is not allowed at the Boeing assembly line.

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The “Twin Aisle Cafe” employee dining establishment is seen behind a Boeing 777 that’s moving its way through Boeing's assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

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Boeing 777s move through Boeing's assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

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In this shot of the Boeing assembly line floor in Everett, Wash., the 777 line can be seen on the left while the 787 line is one the right. (June 28, 2017)

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Boeing 777s move through Boeing's assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

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The 'Dreamliner Diner' employee restaurant can be seen between a giant American flag and the wing of a 787 at Boeing's 787 assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

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A Qatar Airways Boeing 777 nears the end of the assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

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A Qatar Airways Boeing 777 nears the end of the assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

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Engine covers are seen waiting for assembly along Boeing's 787 line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

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Boeing 777 sections move through Boeing's assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

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An employee performs work on a Boeing 777 as it moves through Boeing's assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

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An Air India 'Dreamliner' nears the end of Boeing's 787 assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

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Boeing pays homage to its 787 customers with this display of airline tails above its 787 assembly line in Everett, Wash. (June 28, 2017)

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Plane enthusiasts have plenty of distractions at Boeing's Everett assembly line -- even in conference rooms, where large models tell the story of Boeing's planes.

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An Air India 'Dreamliner' nears the end of Boeing's 787 assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

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Boeing 787 Dreamliners move through the assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

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Workers sit at desks along the edge of the Boeing 787 assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

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Boeing 787 Dreamliners move through the assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

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Workers sit at desks along the edge of the Boeing 787 assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

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Boeing 787 Dreamliners move through the assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

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Media members take photos of Boeing’s assembly line on June 28, 2017. Aside from special media tours, photography is not allowed at the Boeing assembly line.

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An Air India 'Dreamliner' nears the end of Boeing's 787 assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

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Boeing 787 Dreamliners move through the assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

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Boeing's Everett assembly line is one of the largest buildings in the world. Bike and pedestrian lanes act as thoroughfares through giant complex.

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Many airplane 'pieces' - such as this 787 galley area - are delivered to the appropriate spot on the assembly line so they can be easily installed on the planes as they move through the line.

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Many airplane 'pieces' - such as this 787 galley area - are delivered to the appropriate spot on the assembly line so they can be easily installed on the planes as they move through the line.

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The aft section of a Boeing 787 comes through the assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

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Boeing 787s move through Boeing's assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

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A Boeing 787 is seen on Boeing's assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

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Boeing 787s move through Boeing's assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

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Boeing 777s move through Boeing's assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

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A Qatar Airways Boeing 777 moves through Boeing's assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

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A Qatar Airways Boeing 777 moves through Boeing's assembly line in Everett, Wash., on June 28, 2017.

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Many airplane 'pieces' - such as this 787 galley area - are delivered to the appropriate spot on the assembly line so they can be easily installed on the planes as they move through the line.

Why is this all here?

Many of Boeing’s Japanese aerospace partners are based in the Nagoya area and produce an estimated 35 percent of all the parts that go into the 787 aircraft. That includes the main wing and fuselage sections, which are so big that they must travel from Centrair to Boeing’s U.S. assembly plants in Everett and North Charleston, South Carolina, in Boeing’s 747-400 Large Cargo Freight Dreamlifters.

Boeing donated the first 787 built to Nagoya’s Centrair International Airport in 2015 to honor the role the airport and the people of the region played – and continue to play – in the Dreamliner’s development and production.

“The wings and other major structures manufactured by our partners in the region literally took flight from here,” said Brett Gerry, president of Boeing Japan. “You could say that ZA001 has come home.”

Rather than just park the notable aircraft on the airport grounds, Centrair decided to build a destination aviation theme park around the plane.

What’s inside

While the first 787 Dreamliner test plane is visible from just about everywhere inside the Flight of Dreams facility, visitors pay an admission fee of 1,200 yen (about $11) to gain access to the Flight Park exhibition area on the first floor.

Activities here include a walk-through, animated virtual tour of Boeing’s Everett assembly plant, a space to fold and fly paper airplanes that trigger sound and light depending on how far they fly, and a look inside the ZA001’s cockpit.

There’s also an app-powered scavenger hunt to spot all the parts of the 787 airplane, a chance to draw and scan an airplane and then fly it in a 3D dome, a "pretend you work in the airline cabin" experience, and a twice-an-hour colored light show that projects onto the Boeing 787 and across the floor of the hall.

The 787 simulator is also in the Flight Park, but this activity requires an advance reservation and an extra fee.

As with all theme parks, visitors exit through the souvenir shop, which is itself quite the attraction.

The first Boeing Store outside the United States is here and is stocked with around 500 aviation-related items, including furniture and artwork made from re-purposed airplane parts and many Boeing-branded items that will only be sold in this store.

There is no charge to access the restaurants and shops on the Seattle Terrace, where most of the tables look out onto the ZA001 test plane. The carefully curated selection of the Emerald City’s well-known foods and brands are an homage to Boeing’s hometown and include a sushi restaurant operated by Shiro Kashiba, the Japanese chef who opened Seattle’s first sushi bar, and a ramen shop featuring menu items made with ingredients from the Pacific Northwest.

At the Pike Brewing Restaurant & Craft Beer Bar, “The goal is to replicate as closely as possible, the experience that guests have in Seattle at the downtown Pike Brewing Company,” said company co-founder Charles Finkel. “Pike Centrair features the same beer, similar cuisine, and is decorated in classic American breweriana.”

And while Fran’s Chocolates are already available in a few select Japanese outlets, the company’s shop inside the Flight of Dreams in Nagoya will be its first retail location outside of the Seattle area.

“The team working in the [Nagoya] shop traveled to Seattle to train with our team and learn how to check quality, pack chocolate boxes, tie ribbons and present the chocolates,” said company CEO Andrina Bigelow. “This is such a good fit and we are all so excited. Also, it is a great excuse to visit Japan.”

If you go

The Flight of Dreams complex at Japan’s Chubu Centrair International Airport in Nagoya opens to the public on Friday, Oct. 12.

British Airways' first Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner touches down at London Heathrow on June, 27 2013.

The business-class cabin of British Airways' Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners.

The premium econmy cabin of British Airways' Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners.

The economy cabin of British Airways' Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners.

An undated photo of a British Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

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An undated image of a British Airways Boeing 787-8 "Dreamliner."

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British Airways' first Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner touches down at London Heathrow on June, 27 2013.

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The business-class cabin of British Airways' Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners.

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The premium econmy cabin of British Airways' Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners.

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The economy cabin of British Airways' Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners.

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An undated photo of a British Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Harriet Baskas is a Seattle-based airports and aviation writer and USA TODAY Travel's "At the Airport" columnist. She occasionally contributes to Ben Mutzabaugh's Today in the Sky blog. Follow her at twitter.com/hbaskas.